Back in the day, no matter how cold the winter nights got, if you wanted your lights off, you had to get up and do it. If you had a younger sibling, you could probably get them to do it for you. Either way, someone had to make the effort and bear the inconvenience. Now, that’s no longer the case. With smart plugs, one of the simplest and most affordable smart home devices, things have changed.
So, what exactly are smart plugs, and why are they so helpful? Let’s break it down.
A smart plug looks like the regular old plug adapter we’re used to, but it connects to your WiFi and can be controlled through your phone or voice assistant.
It works the same way, too. Simply plug it into a regular wall socket, connect it to your wifi, and plug in any device you want: lamp, fan, guitar amplifier, whatever you like. Now, you can turn that device on or off using just your phone or voice command. In fact, you can even schedule power supply based upon time, location, or activity.
Smart plugs let you check the status of connected devices from your phone. Left the curling iron on? No problem. Just switch it off remotely.
Smart plugs help conserve energy by turning devices off after a certain period of time, or during non-designated hours. Some advanced models can even track energy usage and help you understand where and how much energy is being used by devices.
You can schedule your coffee machine to start brewing at 7:00 AM sharp. No need to stumble around half-asleep anymore.
Set lights to turn on and off while you’re away. It adds a layer of security by making your house look occupied.
If you have Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, smart plugs can also be voice-controlled. Imagine walking into your home, and just saying “Turn on the lights,” and they come on. Such luxury. This voice integration adds major convenience and can be especially helpful for people with mobility challenges or busy households juggling multiple tasks at once.
Smart plugs rely on your home’s wireless network. If your Wi-Fi keeps dropping, there might be some lag in its response.
If you have a lot of smart home devices, it might be worth looking into Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 7 offers higher speeds, less lag, and more reliable performance, which is especially important if you’re streaming in 4K or 8K gaming is happening in the next room. Newer routers also help reduce congestion, making smart plug communication smoother.
Not every appliance plays nicely with smart plugs. Devices with physical power switches (like lamps or fans with flip switches) usually work great. But anything that requires pressing a button to turn on (like a microwave or most modern TVs) might not respond after power is cut and restored.
Also, don’t try using a basic smart plug with high-draw appliances like space heaters or refrigerators unless it’s rated for heavy use. Always check the wattage limits before plugging in anything large.
Oh, absolutely. With them costing you between $10 to $30, a smart plug is a steal considering it can help save energy and make control devices so much easier. The convenience factor alone makes it worth it. In fact, if you don’t want to go all-in with smart bulbs, smart locks, and smart products in general, a few well-placed smart plugs can make your home feel a lot more intelligent.
Smart plugs are endlessly flexible, which is part of their appeal.
If you’re looking to dabble in smart home tech without spending a fortune or committing too hard, just wish to test the waters, smart plugs are a great place to start. They’re easy to use, no rewiring required, no setup required; just plug and play.
However, remember that your WiFi is the backbone for it. So, if you’re having trouble with it, it is best to get home wi-fi help and sort it out to truly reap the benefits of a smart plug. They will provide unmatched convenience, and even save energy and money in the long run.
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